Best Travel Cot for Babies Buying Guide

Best Travel Cot for Babies Buying Guide

There is no doubt that you envisioned doing so many fun things with your baby when he was just a new born. You imagined a lot of smiling and cooing while you spoke your first words for him. You visualized telling him what things were called as he pointed to them and introducing him to other babies in the neighborhood. Then your little toddler nephew comes to visit his brand new cousin expecting to play… and then he vocalizes his disappointment as he looks at your little bundle of joy, “He just sleeps!”

Of course you know that. And all the fun times you’re going to have with your baby will come later. But right now, your newborn baby will be sleeping a whole lot. Aside from his bed in his nursery, have you given much thought to his sleeping arrangements when you need to take him out? If you haven’t, you might now want to take the time to look at some travel baby cots.

Does your baby really need a travel cot?

You might have glanced at a few baby travel cots when you were buying things for your baby during your pregnancy but you never really gave them so much as a second thought. At that time, what you were really looking for was a crib for the baby to sleep in and maybe a moses basket to carry him home. Buying another cot probably seemed like overkill at that time since you could put your baby in his bassinet anyway if you had to take him with you.

A litter later on, though, you might want to take your little family out on a vacation and you might realize that hotels don’t have a suitable place for your baby to sleep in. Or if they do, you’re not really sure how well they are cleaned. What if your baby’s doting grandparents invite you to sleep over so they could get to know their darling grandchild – what then? When you really come to think about it, having a travel cot is not so much of a luxury after all.

The question then isn’t really about whether or not you need a travel cot for your baby, but rather what kind you need. Are you an active family that likes to go on vacation a lot? Do you often travel by car or do you commute? Do you like to spend a lot of time outdoors? Or do you just go out occasionally? Knowing the answer to those questions will be very helpful in choosing a portable baby bed that makes sense for you and your baby.​

What are the types of Travel Cots?

Traditional. A traditional looking travel cot looks much like the one in your baby’s room except it folds onto itself and has mesh sides. A lot of traditional travel cots have been proven stable and durable and remain to be a very popular choice for parents. However, a traditional looking cot could be bulkier and heavier than the next type of travel cot and will not be ideal if you travel by commute.

Tent type. Tent type travel cots open up to either teepee style or bubble type cribs. They also have walls made of mesh material and have side access. These travel cots tend to be very light weight and fold up into small packages. This makes an ideal bed for your little one if you like going outdoors or if you have to travel by commute. They are durable enough considering the light materials, and when your baby gets bigger, he can use it as a play tent. You will want to carefully check the manufacturer’s reputation, though, to make sure you don’t get one that is too flimsy.

Is it appropriate for your child’s age?

How old is your baby? If he’s a newborn, you may wish to get a travel cot that comes with a bassinet that he can use until he is 3 months old. But if you have a bigger baby or if you already have a bassinet, a regular travel cot will be okay. Traditional type travel cots have a hanging bed that is raised halfway from the bottom of the cot. This is ideal for babies 1 to about 4 to 6 months – as long as the baby can’t pull himself up to a standing position yet. That raised bed is something you will appreciate because you won’t have to bend too low to reach your baby. When baby can pull himself up, it can be removed and he can sleep on the bottom of the cot. It will also double as a play pen in case you go to a house that isn’t child proof.

For a tent or pop-up style travel cot, you want to make sure it is big enough to accommodate your growing baby’s needs. Some pop-ups are small and will be inappropriate once baby starts gaining weight and getting taller. You will want to get one that can withstand a toddler’s play and tumble energy so you can get the most mileage out of his travel cot.​

Is it easy to assemble?

By the time your family gets to your destination, your baby might be too tired to smile. Having to wait too long to lie down might not agree with your little youngster. With that in mind, how much assembling can you or your baby tolerate? Not much, we assume. Some traditional pack and go travel cots simply unfold while others require some minor assembly like putting some rods through fabric. Most of them never really amount a major production, which is a relief. Tent types on the other hand are also called pop-ups for a reason. You simply take it out of its carrying case and it springs into shape.

Aside from thinking of putting up your travel cot, you might want to think of disassembling it too. It can be pretty off putting if you need to leave in a hurry and you can’t pack your travel cot fast enough.​

Is it easy to carry?

Most travel cots win in this area. Some of them fold up and fit into a bag with wheels or have the ability compress into a nifty little package. If the travel cot you’re looking at can’t do either one of those things, then there is simply no point in buying it. Better to move on and look for a baby travel cot that can.

Is it easy to clean?

There’s always the occasional spit up and diaper “accident” so you will want to make sure that your crib is easy to clean. Some travel cots can simply be taken out of their frame and thrown into the wash, while others have specific instructions for spot cleaning. Whatever the method for cleaning, it should be easy or else your travel cot might be up for just one use before you toss it aside, never to be used again.

Material

Babies spend a lot of time sleeping so you want a travel cot with safe materials to avoid SIDS. You want to look for mesh walls so that baby doesn’t accidentally asphyxiate should he suddenly roll and press against it. You want any fillers in the mattress to be hypoallergenic and and chemical free. See that the hardware is lead free and check the fabric materials for flame retardants – your travel cot should not have any because those chemicals can cause respiratory problems for your baby.

Does it come with a mattress?

Most travel cots come with a very thin mattress and you might not like it if your baby can feel the floor through it. If that is the case, check if you can buy a mattress that fits your travel cot. When you pick a mattress, you want it to be firm so that it is supportive to your baby’s back as well as safer as far as SIDS is concerned. You also want to cover it with only a fitted sheet so that your cot is hazard free.

Does it come from a trusted manufacturer?

We are all for giving newcomers a chance. However, your best bet is still with those who have been in the business for a long time. They tend to have passed federal regulations and perform quality checks more often. They have a record you can refer to and more accessible customer service.

Do customers like the travel cot?

Have you thought of asking other parents who have bought the travel cot you’re eyeing? What do they think about it? Other parents are a great source of information and there are many who have the same situation or lifestyle as you. Tap them and ask what they bought, if they like it, and how long they used it. It would also be a good thing to ask them if there are features they wish their travel cot had so you can look for those features in your own baby’s travel cot. As an aside, you can also read customer reviews of travel cots.

What is your budget?

Finally, you want to think about how much you want to spend on your baby’s travel cot. Yes, there will be situations where you will definitely need it, but how often will that be? If you are a homebody and only occasionally go on trips with your family, then it might not make sense to spend an arm and a leg on that super juiced up baby travel sleeper. But if you know that you will use it a whole lot, then you will want to invest in one that will keep all your needs covered and that will withstand such heavy use. Usually, this kind of baby travel cot will cost more than those models that are meant to be used only once in a while.

Safety Tips

• Babies actually don’t need that plush toy in their cribs. Clear away any hazards like stuffed toys, pillows, and blankets from your baby’s cot. It will keep them safe from accidental suffocation.
• Some get the idea to use the travel cot as a permanent bed. While the idea can save you money, it is important to remember that a travel cot is meant to be used as a temporary sleeping place. Babies will outgrow it in a two to three years and the travel cot might not be able to support baby’s weight. Unlike a proper nursery crib that can convert to a proper toddler bed.
• If your travel cot has wheels, always check that they are locked. Or you can buy a travel cot that has two wheels and two legs to avoid your cot accidentally rolling away and hitting something dangerous.
• Travel cots with closed tops and a side access are better for a nap outdoors. But if yours is an open top cot, a mosquito net will make an excellent cover.
• Some travel cots have a changing unit so that it’s like bringing your changing table with you too. You can look for this option when you are shopping.
• Good ventilation is important. So never cover the mesh walls with blankets if you think your little one is cold. Instead, dress baby appropriately for the temperature of the room.

Our Recommendation

Go ahead and plan that family vacation because you won’t ever have to worry if your little one has a place to sleep. Now that you know what you should be looking for in a baby travel cot, you are ready to go out and buy one. But not so fast! Knowing what to look for is just half the battle. There is still a whole arsenal of cots to choose from and we want to save you the time and effort of going through all of them. So we did some field test for you and compiled the Top 5 Best Baby Travel Cots. Of all five, we simply cannot deny that the Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard is the best and, therefore, our top pick for giving your baby restful slumber on the road.

Check Price On Amazon

Originally posted 2016-09-02 13:39:22.

The post Best Travel Cot for Babies Buying Guide appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Pregnancy Myths: Fact or Fiction? Take A Quiz

Pregnancy Myths: Fact or Fiction? – Take A QUIZ

An exceptionally wonderful aspect regarding pregnancy is the developing applause and worry of your family and companions for you and your infant. Nearly everybody you know would be prepared with their adaptations of what to do and what not to do. In any case, however huge numbers of these may be valid, many are simply myths. It becomes difficult for a person to distinguish between a myth and facts particularly when going through a emotional time.

Mothers to-be regularly hear loads of pregnancy exhortation in light of conventional convictions. The guidance has no premise truth be told, however might be considered very important by more established individuals from the family. In case you're a hopeful mother in a family, this well meaning exhortation – added to all the typical stresses over your child – can be a wellspring of tension.

In the meantime, the old convictions are an entrancing piece of social legacy. So if your elderly close relative or your mother needs to impart to you what worked for her, you can tune in with adoration, particularly once you comprehend what's actual and so forth.

Forming a new human being is the most confusing thing a human can manage without truly thinking about it. In any case, that doesn't mean women don't fuss over it. In such a situation parents are usually confused because of over exposure to the information. Some information comes from direct source some from indirect, both cannot be trusted completely.

Here we are trying to deconstruct the most widely recognized myths about pregnancy, some of which are proliferated in amazingly prevalent and very much respected pregnancy books. Let's take up a quiz to know more about the facts and myths related to pregnancy.

The post Pregnancy Myths: Fact or Fiction? Take A Quiz appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Best Under Eye Concealer Buying Guide

Best Under Eye Concealer Buying Guide

Nothing makes a woman run faster to the nearest beauty store and hoard all the beauty products there are, than hearing the words, “you look tired.” Especially when it’s just 7 A.M. in the morning and your day has just barely started. It’s not that you stayed up late the previous night, it’s just that you have naturally dark under eyes. Or maybe you did stay up all night, you barely got some rest and now your eyes are taking the all the beating. Either way, tired or not, we don’t want people noticing and assuming that we are tired, just entirely based on how our faces look. Tired looks old. We definitely don’t want to be told we look old. The horror! But, wait! Let’s not panic. Breathe in. Breathe out. We just need to calmly walk, not run, to the nearest beauty store and get ourselves some under eye concealer. But which concealer should you get?

There are things to consider in choosing the concealer that will best suit you. We, at ParentsNeed HQ, are here to provide you with a guide on choosing the best under eye concealer. We will provide you with information that might make you realize what your preferences are, and temper your expectations from an under eye concealer. Now stop panicking, hold your bananas, and hold our hands as we guide you in buying the right under eye concealer for you.

What is a concealer?

A concealer is a cosmetic product that is used to hide imperfections of the skin, hence the term “concealer”. It is similar to a foundation in that both products are used to make the skin appear flawless and uniform in color. The difference between a concealer and a foundation is basically the amount of pigmentation it contains. A concealer has a thicker formulation and is more heavily pigmented than a foundation, thus it is often applied after foundation for extra coverage. Also, a concealer is used to correct specific spots or areas of the face while a foundation is used for coverage of a larger area. It provides a longer lasting and a more detailed coverage. Concealers may also be called color correctors; they correct the imperfections found on the skin by covering these imperfections with pigments that match the surrounding skin tone.

Concealers are used to cover up age spots, disguise small blemishes, minimize large pores and mask dark circles or the under eye. Some concealers are formulated for application on the eye area alone, but most are applicable to the whole face. Concealers may be sometimes used for face contouring as well, when applied to the nose, cheekbones and jawline. There is a more heavily pigmented form of concealer called camouflage makeup. This type of concealer is used to cover up serious skin discoloration as in the case of scars, vitiligo and birthmarks. Concealers, foundations, camouflage makeups. They all sound so interesting, but today, we are going to talk all about under eye concealers.

What are the types of concealers?

Before making that purchase, you must first familiarize yourself with the types of concealers that are available in the market. Concealers come in a few different forms and each form’s effectivity may vary with the skin type that you have. With that said, you must also be aware of what type of skin you have. Depending on your skin’s varying degrees of discoloration, it may be possible that you might need more than one type.

● Liquid Concealers​

The most common form of concealer, liquid concealers are also the most versatile. Liquid concealers have thin textures and this renders them to be ideal concealers for the under eye and other wrinkled areas.Their thin texture makes them less likely to crease and enables them to provide buildable coverage. Liquid concealers are generally easy to apply and they almost always come in a tube with an applicator wand. If an applicator wand is not available, a clean finger may be used. Makeup experts usually use small, flat brushes for added precision.

Available finishes for liquid concealers include satin, matte, and shimmer. Liquid concealers with a satin finish provide a more natural look, especially on dry skin, but it has more movement. More movement means it won’t last as long, and will probably migrate throughout the day. A matte finish liquid concealer lasts longer and has less movement. A subtle glow can help mask the under eye by highlighting the eyes, and this may be achieved with a shimmer-finish liquid concealer.

Liquid concealers work best for normal, oily, or sensitive skin types. They are also recommended for skins that are breakout prone since they do not cake up and do not pose additional risks for breakouts. Its difficulty to be blended may be a set back.​

● Cream Concealers​

This type of concealer has a thicker texture and has more opacity as compared to liquid concealers, hence coverage is faster to build. Cream concealers are good concealers for very dark circles or even serious skin discolorations, still owing to their heavily pigmented formulation. Cream concealers most often come in small pots, palettes, and compacts. Just like liquid concealers, cream concealers may be applied using a clean finger or a brush. Sponges may alsobe used.

Cream concealers often come with either a satin finish or a creamy finish. A creamy finish concealer may be prone to creasing, especially in wrinkled areas. This can be avoided by setting the blended concealer with loose or pressed powder.

Normal, dry or combination skin types agree well with cream concealers. Due to its thicker texture, it is harder to blend in than liquid concealers, and will require blending skills. Poor blending will leave cream concealers looking heavy on the skin.​

● Cream-to-Powder Concealers

Cream-to-powder concealers have light to medium coverage. They are more long-lasting and are very easy to apply owing to their creamy texture. This type of concealer comes in small compacts and may be applied by using a clean finger or small brush.

They may be of either a powder finish or a smooth matte finish. Cream-to-powder concealers set easily so quick blending is a must. Either powder or smooth matte finish tend to crease into wrinkles after a few hours. Setting with powder might prove helpful but practice caution since the powder may only further exaggerate the wrinkles.

Cream-to-powder concealers may be used on normal, slightly dry or combination skin types. They are not advisable to be used on skins that are prone to breakouts since the creamy formulation may only irritate the skin. Dry skin may be emphasized by the powdery finish of this type of concealer.​

● Stick Concealers

Stick concealers have semi-solid textures and come in the form of a stick, like that of a lipstick. They work exactly like a lipstick, as well. They are very easy to use. Just dab or swipe the stick on the affected area and start blending it in with a finger or a brush. These concealers are highly pigmented, and thus provide full coverage with just a small amount.

Both satin and matte finish forms of this type of concealer have good staying power with least chances of creasing. However, for stick concealers with a satin finish, setting with powder may be required to increase its staying power.

Stick concealers are best for normal, dry and sensitive skin types, but they are not recommended to cover up acne. Stick concealers owe their texture to wax-like substances that may only clog pores and further worsen the skin condition.​

● Color-correcting Concealers

Either in stick or cream form, this type of concealers is for severe discolorations and is used when skin-tone shades won’t work. They come in unnatural colors, and it takes practice and familiarity to figure out which color-corrector is to be used with which type of skin discoloration.

• Lavender is used to correct sallow or yellowish skin
• Green is used to counteract redness in the skin as in a bad case of rosaceae
• Pink is used to mask blue colorations on the skin or liven up pale-colored skin
• Yellow is best for dark circles caused by deep purple tones, or for scarring
• Orange is also used for deep purple tones, or even grayish coloration

Color-correcting concealers are best applied under foundations so as to neutralize their extreme coloration.​

How to choose the right under eye concealer for yourself:

• Know your skin type and determine which type is best for you. Once you’ve determined which type to get, it’s time to consider which shade will suit you. Choose a shade that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. You don’t want your under eye to become too light, as this will only attract further, unwanted attention.
• Choose a brand that uses skin-friendly ingredients. Remember that the skin around the eye is sensitive and extremely thin. This area often shows the first signs of aging. We want to slow these signs down. We should take care not to further stress our eyes. Try finding a brand that adds good-for-you ingredients to their formulation. Good-for-you ingredients may include minerals, botanical extracts and moisturizers. Ingredients to avoid include parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances.
• Try out the merchandise before buying, or if you’re buying online, make sure that there is a return policy in case compatibility fails. Apply the concealer under natural light to ensure that your skin compatibility is precise.
• Research on which brands come highly recommended by actual consumers, and which products are rated as best under eye concealers. If a number of consumers show high satisfaction with a certain brand, chances are you might enjoy the product yourself.
• Do some research on the price range as well. Compare prices from different stores. Be mindful of concealers that seem too inexpensive. Remember that you get what you pay for. Substandard concealers will flake and dry out over a few hours, and we certainly don’t want that. Try to get the best value for your money by canvassing different brands and comparing features before picking out the one that best fits your budget.

Final pointers to keep in mind:

• Concealers are used for added coverage and work best when combined with a foundation. They are not meant to replace an all-over foundation, but are to be used on small discolored areas instead. These areas include not only the under eye but around the nose, small blemishes on the skin and acne scars as well.
• Choosing the right concealer is important. Wrong concealers may only serve to highlight or even worsen the problem instead of correcting them.
• The application of the concealer depends on the amount of coverage that you need. Applying the concealer under the foundation will provide less coverage, while applying the concealer over the foundation will give you more coverage.
• Remember to prepare your skin. It is helpful to apply some sort of moisturizer on the under eye before putting on the concealer. This is especially true for people with dry skin. The moisturizer will plump your skin and serve as a smooth base for the concealer. Let the moisturizer sit for at least 2 minutes before applying the concealer.
• Concealers with a matte finish do not need to be set with loose or pressed powder. Setting with powder may make the skin appear, or even feel too dry.
• The best concealers are usually without any scent, which is the way that concealers or any other makeup should be.
• For further tips in proper concealer application, a number of tutorial videos are available online.

Our Recommendation

We hope that these information will serve you well in choosing the best under eye concealer that is most compatible to you. If you want a further push into the right direction, you are in great luck. We here at the ParentsNeed HQ have tried out a number of under eye concealers in an attempt to put together a list of our own Top 5 best under eye concealer. It was challenging to pick our number one among our top choices. All contenders were easy to blend, long-lasting and provide flawless finishes. Find out why NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer came out on top here.

Check Price On Amazon

Originally posted 2016-07-19 02:10:18.

The post Best Under Eye Concealer Buying Guide appeared first on ParentsNeed.

11 Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

11 Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

Hey there again, moms and dads! Last time we were talking about great toddler food ideas that will help make your little one enjoy their meals from when they start eating until they start off on their first day of school in day care or preschool. Those same ideas will easily apply to our kids, but by the time your kids are older—say about 5-10 years old—they already know what they want and what they don't want. Your toddlers at a point can't say no to what you have to say and will surely eat whatever you put on their plate simply because they have no choice. But for children, they already have a mind of their own and it's more of telling you that, 'I can decide on my own! Thank you very much!'

Believe us when we say that teaching your child how to be independent is a good thing but there is a boundary to being an independent and a confident child from a child who talks back and is being disrespectful. You're still their parents and they need to know that what you want for them is what's good for them—even when it comes to eating. Just because your child is a picky eater, it doesn't mean that you have to always give in and always buy them food that they want which is completely unnecessary to their health like packed mac n' cheese, frozen pizza, hot dogs, and store bought meals to heat in the microwave. They may taste good but they completely compromise the health of your kids. We've listed down a list of great healthy snacks ideas that will work perfectly for your kids. And believe us, some of them, you already have them lying around the house. But first, here are our thoughts about giving your kids a healthy and happy diet.

In consideration to moms and dads who are really into a great healthy lifestyle, we have listed down the daily health needs of our kids. Like adults, kids also have a daily nutritional requirement to stay on the healthy side. From ages 4-8, kids have different nutritional needs. If you notice, at this age, boys eat more than girls. And it is also at this level that boys have a stronger and more active lifestyle than girls. Now, on an average level of activity, boys need about 1,200-2,000 calories a day and girls need about 1,200-1,800 calories a day. On a daily basis your kids need the following:

Nutrient	Source	Boys	Girls
Protein	Seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, nuts, beans, and seeds	3-5.5 ounces	3-5 ounces
Fruits	Fresh and dried, canned (when fresh fruits are not available)	1-2 cups	1-1.5 cups
Vegetables	Preferably fresh or dried, you can also buy them frozen or canned	1.5-2.5 cups	1.5-2.5 cups
Grains	Oatmeal, grain cereals, quinoa, whole wheat bread, brown rice	4-6 ounces	4-6 ounces
Dairy	Milk, yogurt, cheese	2.5 cups	2.5 cups

You can also check out the daily calorie requirement of kids older than 8 years old. As much as possible, do your best to stay closer to fresher organic food. It may bust your budget a little bit but for the safety of completely healthy eating, your kids will reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle in the long run.

The first half is actually healthy treats that your kids already eat on a daily basis, but we can hack these foods and make them healthier than they already are. Here are 5 surprisingly healthy snacks that your kids are already very familiar with.

1. Popcorn

It's true. We all know that popcorn is a whole grain but we are too used to buying pre-packed buttered popcorn that we pop in the microwave. You can air-pop your popcorn using a pressure cooker or your very own popcorn popper. This stays away from the radiation of the microwave. But if you have none of those, just put half a cup of corn in a paper bag add butter, grated cheese, cinnamon and sugar, and more! Surprisingly, popcorn also contains 4 grams of fiber in 3 servings of popcorn. A movie marathon with a bucket is actually a healthy way to spending quality time with your family.

2. Peanut butter

Yup! Peanut butter is in itself already healthy, but you really have other ways of making it an even healthier snack for your kids. So, don't throw your baby food maker just yet since you can use it to break down peanuts and make your own peanut butter. It's a fun healthy kids' snack to make and it's true that when you're not looking, your child is scooping a huge spoonful of peanut straight from the jar. True enough, it's a great option and making a sandwich with homemade peanut butter and fruit like banana, apple, even cream cheese is overly delicious!

3. Pizza and Sandwiches

We know what you're thinking but don't you think about it! We're talking about your own homemade pizza! Pizza is something we all love! It's technically just a sandwich made differently and doing it yourself at home is a fun way of making your kids do house chores! Your kids will learn how to make their own healthy homemade pizza with just simple yet healthy ingredients lying around the house. 

4. Ice pops

If ice cream is not an option, one closest to it is ice pops. They are cool and enjoyable and definitely a favorite treat after a really tiring and sweaty play date with your family friends. Ice pops are healthy since you can simply make your own with ease. You can even use your baby food ice tray and toothpick. If you have leftover fruit smoothies at home, fill up the tray and put in toothpicks. Actually, we simply put in a cut of fruits in a blender like strawberry and watermelon and fill-in the ice cube tray.

Here's a fun idea: make two or three fruit blends like apple-mango blend, blueberry cream, peanut butter with diced banana, and alternately fill up the ice cube tray. Once frozen, pull them out and serve. You'll be giving your kids a super healthy and colorful frozen summer treat.

5. Fondue

Fun-doo!!! Everybody love dipping fruits and treats in chocolate! Heck, who hates chocolates anyway? You will absolutely love treating yourself and your kids to great dessert fest with sliced up fruits and melted chocolate or cheese. This is enjoyable to eat with your entire family and it's a great bonding moment for each and every one! You'll never go wrong with fondue!

Healthy snacks for kids aren't that difficult and don't really take much of your time. Snacks for kids are great fill-ins for a tired child who just came from the neighbor's house playing catch or military stuff with their walkie-talkies and nerf guns. Kids are active little people that constantly need nourishment since they are constantly growing up and healthy snacks are in-betweens that will give your kids the extra boost of energy they need in a day. Here are seven more healthy kid snacks your children will love.​

6. House version of French Fries

Deep fried potatoes are among the unhealthiest foods you can give your kids but cutting up sweet potatoes like french fries with the use of a mandoline slicer and cooking it at home is a good option.

7. Crepes

Making your own crepe can be difficult and time-consuming but you can simply use tortillas as your crepe.

8. Waffle

Here's an interesting life hack. We may love pancakes and waffles but mixing the flour, egg, milk and other ingredients are just too tedious—or we're just being really lazy. Grab a one-liter bottle with a wide-mouthed funnel and put in all the ingredients to make your waffle mix and cook with the use of waffle maker!

9. Banana Splits

There is nothing that an ice cream cannot use. Buying an organic vanilla ice cream is readily available in the market. With vanilla ice cream, you can do anything! Instead of using a banana, you can also use other fruits like a peach that got a bit over ripe. And did you know that you can use melted vanilla ice cream in replacement for your milk in your pancake mix?

10. Cheese wraps

Cheese is a fan favorite! This is an easy healthy snack that is super easy to do that your kids can even make for themselves. With a cooked ham ready, cut it in half. Put a small block of cheese. You can also add a stick of carrot or zucchini inside. Roll! Put it in the oven for 3 minutes or until the cheese softens. Serve! This is a super easy healthy kids snack your children will adore!

11. Fruit kebab

Another no-cook recipe that doesn't need much effort is simply grabbing a barbecue stick and fruits sliced in cubes. Slice up strawberries, bananas, apple cubes, kiwi, pears, and watermelon. Alternately, line them like you'll do with a kebab and serve with a smoothie! You can also chill it in the fridge for a while. One fun trick we found that kids seem to have enjoyed is dipping the fruit kebab in almond flavored melted jelly. Once the jelly hardens, it creates this lollipop look that kids love to rip-off the fruits.

Healthy snacks are everywhere. Let's just refrain from grabbing on to those frozen snacks for kids or packed cookies and chips. Your health is your kid's wealth and a healthy lifestyle will keep them fit and in perfect shape. This is a great way to keep your kids away from getting overweight and be picked on by bullies. Anyway, a healthy snack can go a really long way and all you need is your love and a bowl of healthy snacks to make magical treats for kids. Be creative and enjoy!

The post 11 Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids appeared first on ParentsNeed.

The Best Dog Breeds for Kids

The Best Dog Breeds for Kids

Whenever you open Youtube, one of the featured videos of the week always end up a compilation of kids or babies and their pet dogs. These charming videos either make you swoon or make you really laugh out loud. Babies and dogs are two of the most adorable creatures on earth. And we know that most households with kids end up having or prefer having pets at home alongside their children.

You may not realize it but having a dog for kids in your house for the sake of your children are actually therapeutic for both you and your spouse and most especially for your kids too. Here are some great reasons why you should consider getting a pet, especially dogs good with children, for your home.

Reasons Why You Should Get a Pet

Stress Release on a Leash

Children can be stressed too. It's true that kids deal with stress differently than adults do and it is extremely difficult for kids to cope with stress. If you think that bills, heavy workload and dues, among other things are stressful, kids can get stressed as much as you do. You may not know it but being openly verbal and emotional in front of your kids about things stressing you out can also stress them out as well. It can emotionally become a burden on them seeing you feeling down in the dump because of things that stress you out.

Among other things that kid gets stressed with are busy schedules in school, bullying, a close relative with an illness, death, parent's divorce, a friend moving to another city, and much more.

Having a pet becomes an avenue to release their stress. Pets are great stress relievers since our kids get more active when they have a kid-friendly dog to chase around the house. Kids also talk to pets as if they are imaginary friends and they can verbally express what they feel much better than being able to express it to you as their parent. Think about it, back when you are a teen or a kid, you tell your friends everything but barely let your parents know anything about what you're thinking. As young as your kids may be, they see pets as a very trustworthy friend that they can confide in.​

A Doggy Hug a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Research has shown that kids have a stronger immune system and lesser tendencies to have allergies and asthma. Multiple types of research have proven so many claims that pets are good for the immune system. Here is a summary of some researches done and proven on kids and pet owners:

• Sweden: Children aged 7 to 13 who were exposed to pets in their first year of life had lesser occurrences of having allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• England and Scotland: A study of 256 primary school kids from three different schools were found to have lesser school absences due to illnesses.
• Australia, China, Germany: This Cross-country large scale researched involving 11,000 kids shows that they visit the doctor 20% less due to illnesses as compared to non-pet owners.

In a sense, pets not only add emotional stability to your children's developments but owning a pet has proven to be a very healthy alternative to keeping your children's immune system function well against common illnesses and allergies.

Speak, Doggy, Speak!​

Did you know that having a pet is more effective than your child having an imaginary friend? Technically, it's equivalent to that. The only difference is that a pet is tangible and your child can imagine your pet anyhow your little one wants your pet to be. And one of the benefits of having a daily companion is an entity that your child can talk to. Children can practice their oral skills with your kid-friendly dog. Apparently, kids become more articulate when having a pet dog than actually having no dog at all.

Confidence Booster​

Pets help your child earn a boost of confidence because they tend to be more articulate and friendlier. Kids who have pets are found to be more sociable and are less likely to be bullied because they know how to interact well with others. Having pets is a good way of preventing your child to be anti-social because even at a young age, kids can already practice being sociable with your pet.

Mind Your Manners, Young Lady!

For sure, you'll be using this less often with your child. Having pets at home reduces the chances of your child talking back. Kids become more respectful because they see the responsibility of owning a kid-friendly dog and yet they also see your child friendly dog as a parent as well whenever you're out at work. Pets provide dual comfort in becoming your child's little one and your child's fill-in parent. Your kids will end up learning more respect towards younger people and older people.

Mine, Mine, Mine!

Pets end up becoming your baby's baby even when you've had your dog long before your child. Your children can get possessive over your kid-friendly dog but in a good sense. This becomes a great platform to involve your kids with household chores. Dogs breeds good for kids need to be bathed, fed, walked, and groomed.

These are only some of the reasons why you should start thinking of buying a pet to grow up with your little one. Pets have more benefits than just something you feed and bathe every now and then. They become an important part of your family and a greater significance in the life of your kids. So, if you're now thinking of getting a child friendly dog breed to be a pet, which one would it be?

Factors you should consider in getting a pet dog

1. Your Home, Your Life, Your New Dog
   You really need to consider your space. Do you have enough space to get a small dog, a big dog or just any for that matter? And will you be able to afford taking care of it in the long run? If you cannot commit to owning a good dog for kids, you won't be able to satisfy the needs of your family along in the mix making it harder for you to balance home and work with an additional member of your family.
2. Doggy Years versus Man Years
   How old is the dog you're getting? Doggy years are completely different from man years. You need to always multiply your dog's age by seven to get the equivalent in man years. So if your dog is 3 years old (times seven), your dog is that of a 21-year-old young adult. So, if you're planning on buying a dog for your kids, get a younger one so that your pet can grow old with your child.
3. Pet Training
   This is one thing that needs your commitment unless you get a pat trainer to do it for you. You need your dog to be disciplined and well-handled rather than it being a wild crazy untamed animal dominating your house like a boss.
4. Pet Needs
   Pets have needs too. In fact, you can say that they become a new baby to the house as well. So, you also need to consider where they'll sleep, where and what they'll eat, and where they'll do their business.
   

We have checked out so many suggested dog breeds good to kids out there that are suitable for families. But with so many suggestions, we came up with a list of seven child friendly dogs that would suit your household no matter how many kids you have and no matter how young your children are.

Best Dog Breeds for Kids

Golden Retriever

Size:	Large
Personality:	Intelligent, loyal, friendly
Life Expectancy:	10-12 years
Trainability:	Very Eager to Please
Cons:	Can be too hyperactive at time
Barking Level:	Only when necessary
Alternative:	Labrador Retriever

One of the most popular family dog breeds to have at home, the golden retriever is definitely our top pick. This pet is perfect for kids because they are active and very eager to make its owners very happy. It responds well to emotional distress and very alert when there is any form of danger lurking around. The golden retriever is both an indoor dog and an outdoor dog. They are very sporty and very loving as well.

Golden retrievers love to play with you anytime you want and cuddle with your child when he is sick. Since this kid-friendly dog is sporty, your kids will love shooting basketball hoops, playing catch with a frisbee and simply just run around the backyard. Golden retrievers are also good swimmers so whether you have an above ground or in-ground pool, your kids can enjoy practically anything with your golden retriever.

Beagle

Size:	Small
Personality:	Companion-friendly, easygoing, lovable and loving
Life Expectancy:	12-15 years
Trainability:	Great training response
Cons:	Very curious pets can be found snooping around all the time
Barking Level:	Quite Vocal
Alternative:

You'll never ever forget a beagle if you remember one of the most famous cartoons back in the late 1990's, Droopy—or maybe a basset hound, we're not so sure. Anyway, a beagle is featured in so many films because this baby-friendly dog is highly trainable. It is also very loving and affectionate towards its family.

A beagle is a very gentle dog and is a great playmate because it can be active when you're in the mood to play with it and it is also very calm and quiet if you need it to be. A beagle is quite active and needs plenty of time to play around with. This is the perfect dog for kids to play on the trampoline outside and also a great companion when you only need to snuggle in front of the fire place because it's too cold to go outside.

Bulldog

Size:	Medium
Personality:	Calm, courageous, friendly
Life Expectancy:	8-10 years
Trainability:	Great training response
Cons:	Fine hair can be an irritant to kids with allergic rhinitis or asthma
Barking Level:	Quite
Alternative:	Pug

This is a really friendly dog especially with kids and other pets as well. A bulldog is generally seen as a bit of a lazy dog that's because it doesn't have that hyperactive level that requires a lot of your attention. Don't get us wrong though, it loves attention when it gets it.

A bulldog is generally a very nice breed to own. It is extremely friendly and very sociable. The Bulldog is a very popular breed among households. It is a lovable pet that requires very little grooming and is less likely to cause you and your family much trouble.

Boxer

Size:	Medium-sized
Personality:	Active, Bright, Loyal
Life Expectancy:	10-12 years
Trainability:	Great training response
Cons:	very active and are attention seekers
Barking Level:	Only when necessary
Alternative:	Dalmatian

Boxers are very athletic dogs. They need plenty of exercises and are great companions to kids with hyperactivity. They are very loyal breeds too. Boxers are known to be protective over their owners as well but are never known to be aggressive. This would be the best companion to have when camping because they love the outdoors.

Newfoundland

Size:	Extra large
Personality:	loyal, devoted, patient, very sweet
Life Expectancy:	9-10 years
Trainability:	Very eager to please
Cons:	Needs plenty of food
Barking Level:	Only when necessary
Alternative:	St. Bernard, Great Pyrenees

Also known as newfs, these dogs good with babies can grow up to be huge animals but end up being the most gentle of all pets. They are the best pets to cuddle with as newfs are surprisingly very lovable and gentle and extremely helpful. They are very devoted to you and your kids and will always watch out for your kid's safety. If you really want to babyproof your house, it's better to get yourself a newf to keep your toddler from trouble at any cost. Newfs are alert and are very sweet and you'll never have a problem with them being a danger to your child. As a matter of fact, your kids can be the danger to this pet. They may be huge but they don't really need plenty of exercises.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Size:	Small
Personality:	happy, friendly, devoted
Life Expectancy:	12-14 years
Trainability:	Eager to please
Cons:	Quite stubborn
Barking Level:	Only when necessary
Alternative:

This may be a furry kid-friendly dog but their fur barely shed. This is particularly helpful for kids who are allergic to fur. This is one of the most hypoallergenic dogs to keep in the house, however, they need to be groomed and have a haircut every month. They also need to be combed frequently to prevent matting. This pet is a great indoor companion and they are always happy even into their old age. They are very happy-go-lucky pets which are quite therapeutic for kids with really busy parents.

Bearded Collie

Size:	Medium
Personality:	Smart, charming, friendly
Life Expectancy:	12-14 years
Trainability:	Independent
Cons:	Very active dogs and needs plenty of outdoor activities
Barking Level:	Quite vocal
Alternative:	Old English Sheepdog

Bearded collies are known to be home protector so if a new person comes to your house, they can be loud. These furry dogs aren't the toy dogs you'd expect to cuddle all the time or even sleep with. They are pretty boisterous and very active and really work well with a big family with plenty of kids. Kids will love this pet as a playmate. However, they are also very alert and are keen when in dangerous areas. This is a great kid-friendly dog to be with when going on camping and road trips since its strong instincts will keep your kids out of danger and trouble.

Pets are great addition to your home and they provide comfort, aid, and love when you need it the most. There are plenty of breeds out there but there are certain dogs that work well with kids and some are perfect as house protectors. But these breeds we have on our list are dogs that are particularly loving to kids and surely devoted to you and your entire family.

The post The Best Dog Breeds for Kids appeared first on ParentsNeed.